The large carnival parade in Zwaag has been credited as intangible heritage of the Netherlands this morning. Carnival association Het Mask is very proud of the allocation. “It is a nice recognition for the 56 years that the parade has been organized,” says Eric Bot of Het Mask against WEEFF / NH News.
Every year, the Netherlands Intangible Heritage Knowledge Center designates various cultural items in the country as heritage. The harness racing in Venhuizen and Lappendag in Hoorn, among others, have already been designated as intangible heritage of the Netherlands.
Since this morning, the Knowledge Center has announced that the large carnival parade in Zwaag also belongs to this list. Carnival association Het Mask in Zwaag is very proud of the award. “With today’s six additions, more than 200 items are regarded as intangible heritage,” says Eric Bot of the association. “We are very happy, but especially proud to be among them.”
It is not the first award for the carnival in Zwaag. During the 50th anniversary in 2016, carnival association Het Mask already received a Royal Medal of Honor.
No UNESCO
To be designated as intangible heritage, the Zwaagse carnival association itself had to submit an application. “There is a whole preliminary process,” Eric explains. “The application is assessed by a committee, and you have to write a plan. Then it is determined whether you will receive recognition as intangible heritage.”
However, the addition of Zwaag’s large carnival parade does not mean that the party has been added to the UNESCO world list. A fallacy that is often made, says Bot. “People immediately make that link, but this credit doesn’t mean that,” he explains. “It can be a first step to get on the UNESCO list. I don’t know how you can end up on that list, but that’s not our goal either.”
According to Bot, designating the carnival parade in Zwaag as intangible heritage is more about safeguarding and recognizing the celebration, and about passing on the parade to all future generations.
Signature
To make the appointment official, the carnival association must sign a document. The Mask wants to give special attention to that. “How and what is not yet known, but we probably want to do this during the parade. Because the credit is about that. We want to make it a great moment.”
Last weekend the new carnival season of Zwaag could be ushered in. The new Prince was also announced on Saturday. Alexander de Haan may take this honor this year, and has been renamed Prince Kukel de Feurste.
In addition, preparations have started for various associations in Zwaag for the big parade, which will take place on Sunday, February 19, 2023.